Cultural Diversity - The Civil Service

Land Registry Cultural Diversityimportant to be bright and happy on these days. The spirits of the ancestors partakeof the happy company in their households and then return satisfied to the netherworld.In presentation of Diwali, homes in India are whitewashed, painted and decorated. Atsundown houses are lit up with diyas, small earthenware lanterns. It is a time ofhappiness, love, forgiveness and thanksgiving. Everywhere there is a joyousatmosphere.Dietary laws and dressMost Hindus do not eat beef, or are completely vegetarian, and many do not useeither tobacco or alcohol.Many Hindus wear Western clothes, although at home and on social occasions evenWesternised Hindu women will often wear a sari. In fact, saris have now becomemore popular among younger Hindu women in this country. Hindu women often weara red spot, known as a tika, on their forehead.The caste systemHistorically, Hindus have been identified with the caste system. Although the castesystem remains important in India, attitudes and practices have changed. Forexample, Mahatma Gandhi ensured that, by law, no person could be ascribed to thelowest caste and everyone had a right to enter the temples. Educated Hindus nowcome from all castes and the system is considered outdated.Upon entering a Hindu home, do not offer to shake hands. An acceptable greeting isthe ‘Namaste’ (hands raised palm to palm and slight bow of head). Shoes must beremoved in the area of the house which accommodates a shrine. When Hindu womenare addressed by a man, another family member should be present.11